Manotoc: Ilocos Norte going to the right direction

 

Laoag City—Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc assured the Ilokano community of sustained growth and development in the province through the intensified implementation of the provincial government’s priority programs during a press meeting.

“I can say that I have worked hard and have tried my best. I am looking forward to have my first full year [as Governor] and to really see results. I want to make sure that our people will feel that things are going to the right direction,” Mr. Manotoc remarked.

Included in his tasks even during the holiday season, he ordered the Sangguniang Panlalawigan “to expedite the revision of Ilocos Norte’s Revenue Code and the ‘fair market value.’”

“Ang laki ng mawawala sa atin kapag hindi pa ito naayos. I hope we can finish it this year para new year, new revenue code na rin,” Mr. Manotoc said.

Meanwhile, when asked about his experience for the first six months of his term, he said: “I am trying to find a way to prioritize and listen to as many things as possible. Thankfully we have competent, helpful, and experienced people here at the Capitol. I am well-supported.”

PGIN eyes accessible healthcare, continuing agri assistance in 2020

In his “Budget Message 2020,” Mr. Manotoc declared: “PHP47.4 million from the different sources available to the province will be used in upgrading our hospitals alongside other medical facilities, employing additional health practitioners and medical personnel, and procuring medical equipment and supplies.”

Moreover, PHP105 million from the province’s development fund will be used to rehabilitate hospital buildings and construct additional medical facilities of the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH), including the purchase of various medical equipment and instruments.

Furthermore, PHP56 million will also go to the development of isolation rooms at Bangui District Hospital; construction of a two-storey building for out-patients at Dingras District Hospital; acquisition of various medical and laboratory equipment for Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital; installation of floor tiles and sprinkler system at Piddig District Hospital; and total renovation of Vintar District Hospital.

“We have prioritized all the hospitals, specifically GRBASMH, because it is our flagship hospital. I know it’s taking longer, but it’s not that easy. We cannot totally revamp the hospital in just a few months. We want to make it a goal that by next year, people will be satisfied and will see the progress we are making,” Mr. Manotoc explained.

Likewise, to promote innovative practices that will strengthen the province’s agriculture and fishery sectors, PHP15 million was allocated for the construction of the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fishery Extension Center Building.

“For next year, INAFEC will be our headliner. Also, we have apportioned additional budget for our palay farmers because we anticipate that prices for next year will be really low. We are ready to lend additional assistance on top of regular provision of several agriculture inputs. Equally important, we will have a general water management plans for our irrigations and flood control,” he added.

‘Big 3’ on track, tourism development remains a priority

“We will be okay with the ‘Big Three’. The Provincial Capitol Extension Building and the rehabilitation of the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium are pretty much on track,” Mr. Manotoc assured.

However, he told that the construction of the Dap-ayan Building was put on hold because contractors found out that the site contains a lot of underground water, thus the necessity of conducting a further study.

“For the most parts, we have no major delays. They have demolished as needed and now it’s just a matter of building. We have instructed them [contractors] to multi-task,” he added.

Additionally, tourism development remains a priority of the provincial government. For next year, it will be keen in discovering new sites, re-investing in its properties and facilities, and eyes the re-launching of the province’s tourism campaign.

Particularly, PHP32.5 million was set for the improvement of heritage sites, historic landscapes, and premier tourist destinations such as the Malacañang of the North and Paoay Sand Dunes; Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and Cape Bojeador Lighthouse Museum in Burgos; and La Milagrosa Cove in Badoc. (Edison Justin B. Deus)